With competition in the global sat nav arena hotting up, sat nav manufacturers now appear to be turning their attention not only to the hardware specification of their device, but also to the availability of up-to-date mapping data. Indeed, the well publicised battle between TomTom and Garmin for the acquisition of Tele-atlas, one of the leading mapping data providers, illustrates just how important maps have become in the battle for superiority.

TomTom have continually addressed the way people update their mapping data. With the release of TomTom Map Share, their Latest Map Guarantee and now their new map update service, TomTom appear to have their bases covered in terms of mapping data.

Garmin have now followed suit with similar plans to ensure users have access to the latest maps. Similar to TomTom’s Latest Map Guarantee, Garmin recently announced their new nüMaps warranty entitles new nüvi and zümo buyers to a free map update should a new map become available with 60 days after first use of their device.

It is also rumoured that Garmin have plans to release a new lifetime map update subscription plan, allowing Garmin users access to lifetime map updates for a one-off payment of 119 Euros. Under this scheme, users would be entitled to four new Navteq map updates per year for as long as the user owns the device.